Left to right: Kathleen Gerding, Monai Rooney, Maritza Fernandez, and Amanda Trauger, all of Orlando, Fla, sit for a portrait with artist Sean P. Dwyer during the final night of the second annual Summer Solstice Celebration at Mallory Square. The 14-day festival featured solstice-inspired activities and other magical experiences and was produced by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the island’s year-round Sunset Celebration. (Photo: Tony Gregory)

Key West, Fla. — Performances by a children’s music ensemble, a conch shell salute to the sun, and an internationally inspired World Food Experience brought Key West’s second annual “Summer Solstice Celebration” to a festive close Sunday evening at Mallory Square.

The festivities honored the power of the sun and the June 21 solstice, the longest day of the year and a time traditionally associated with the sun’s greatest strength — an event that holds longstanding mystical significance in many cultures.

Attendees of the June 8-21 festival enjoyed activities inspired by solstice traditions, including tarot readings, flower-crown making, face painting, and tying ribbons on a solstice ‘wish banner.’ The celebration also featured musical performances, creative demonstrations, works by local artists, daredevil feats by acrobats and illusionists, and a variety of food and refreshment offerings.

Produced by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the year-round Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, the festival was presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

For more information about the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration and future events, visit sunsetcelebration.org.

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